Obesity is one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century and is now recognized as a chronic, complex condition that requires long-term management. The pharmacological treatment of obesity has become very popular in the last few years, and more prescription medications are now FDA-approved specifically for weight loss.
We all know that general practitioners (GPs) typically recommend maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity for weight loss. However, according to the data, only one in ten adults eats the recommended daily amounts of vegetables, and only one in four meets the physical activity guidelines.
Did you know that in 2023, around 40% of adults in the United States were obese, while 10% were severely obese? The good news is that you are not alone in this struggle, because many people try numerous attempts and still fail to control it.
Let’s take a closer look at weight loss medications and find the right option from trusted brands.
Criteria for Taking Prescription Weight Loss Medications
If you’re only carrying a few extra pounds and are otherwise healthy, you may not be a suitable candidate for prescription weight loss medications. This approach is sensitive and is strictly recommended for individuals who face or may face serious health issues.
Disclaimer: Before starting any medication or supplement to address a health issue, we recommend consulting your GP for personalized advice.
To start any prescription weight loss medication, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or greater
- BMI is 27 or greater, but accompanied by weight-related issues (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.)
If you’re unsure of your BMI, you can use this official calculator to determine it yourself.
Other factors that might contribute to getting weight loss medications are:
- Diet and exercise don’t work for you, even with serious lifestyle modifications that lasted at least 6 months
- You keep gaining back weight
- You have a documented inability to lose weight
To be successful on the weight loss journey, the most important factor is maintaining a clear and motivated mindset. It is not enough to simply find the best prescription weight loss medication. You must prepare for a healthy lifestyle that involves long-term changes, including healthy eating, regular physical activity, and consistency.
Disclaimer: Monitor your weight regularly to track progress, and be cautious if any side effects occur. If you have any serious underlying problems associated with obesity, always inform your doctor because, in some cases, you might need further tests to assess your health.
Who Should Not Take Weight Loss Medications?
Some categories of patients are NOT recommended to start these drugs or are at a high risk, and this includes:
- Pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant soon
- Patients with certain medical conditions
- Patients with severe kidney or liver problems
- People with certain mental health conditions (depending on the medication)
- Patients taking medications that might interact with weight loss drugs
According to Healthline, Ozempic should not be used because it may cause congenital disabilities, miscarriage, and small babies.
Note: Your doctor should review your complete health history and current medications before prescribing any weight loss medications for you.
Are Doctor-Prescribed Weight Loss Medications Safe?
Most weight loss medications are carefully tested and approved by the FDA to ensure they’re safe and effective. Over-the-counter weight loss supplements don’t undergo the same rigorous testing.
They typically help people lose much more weight than non-prescription products. These medications work best when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. But remember that these drugs are designed to make lifestyle changes more successful, and NOT replace them.
In general, these medications are safe, but with any medication or supplement, there is a risk of developing adverse effects. Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, but these are not permanent side effects.
According to the Institute of Cardiology from Krakow, for every 1,000 high-risk patients treated with semaglutide for about 3 years, 28 fewer experienced major heart problems
Another common side effect is that people start gaining back the lost weight when they stop taking these drugs. This happens mostly because these patients are not practicing healthy lifestyle habits, such as healthy eating and exercise.
Benefits of Taking Weight Loss Medicines
Prescription weight loss drugs are more than just pills to improve your appearance; they can significantly improve your overall health, especially in cases when obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases.
When used under medical supervision, you can experience the following benefits:
- Faster weight loss
- Decreased chances of weight-related issues
- Reduction in long-term risks
- Reduced appetite and feeling of fullness
- Increased energy and mobility
- Improved mood and self-esteem
How Do Prescription Weight Loss Medications Work?
Weight loss medications work in 3 main ways:
- Appetite suppression: Medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide and liraglutide) and Phentermine can reduce the hunger signals and make patients feel full. This can lead to lower food consumption.
- Fat Blockers: Medications like Orlistat can prevent the body from absorbing fat from the food eaten, which will lead to reduced overall calorie consumption
- Craving reducers: Drugs like Contrave can target brain areas involved in the appetite regulation center and reduce emotional food cravings.
The newest GLP-1 medications are most effective because they work in conjunction with your body’s natural hunger and fullness signals, rather than simply suppressing appetite. They work by mimicking the natural hormones produced after eating, which helps control blood sugar levels and regulate appetite.
These medications produce several effects:
- Feeling full
- Decreased appetite between meals
- Decreased cravings for food
- Efficient sugar processing (improved insulin sensitivity and reduced glucose production)
The most popular GLP-1 medications for weight loss include:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbounds, Mounjaro)
Top 7 Prescription Weight Loss Medications
Here are the 7 most common prescription weight loss drugs that might help in the weight loss journey!
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)
This is an antidiabetic medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, and it is also used for weight loss. It is the first dual agonist that targets hormones known as incretins, which are released after eating and help regulate blood sugar and appetite:
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)
- GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)
You can find this drug branded as Mounjaro and Zepbound. Most people begin seeing noticeable weight loss between weeks 4 and 12 of treatment.
Read More: Find out how long it took the patients to lose up to 26.6% of their mean weight loss here!
This medication is administered as a weekly injection, starting with a small dose and then gradually increasing to a higher dose over time. Continuous use is typically necessary for achieving and maintaining long-term weight management.
Pros:
- This medication is currently the most effective weight loss treatment available, helping patients lose 20-25% of their body weight
- Mounjaro also offers additional benefits, including better blood sugar control for patients.
Cons:
- Treatment requires weekly injections, which may be inconvenient for some patients
- Without insurance coverage, the medication is expensive
- As a newer medication, less information is available about its long-term effects.
Cost: Through BuyCanadianInsulin.com, the prices range from $158 to $188 per vial and $599 to $799 per injectable pen.
Semaglutide (Wegovy And Ozempic)
Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a natural hormone in your body that controls hunger, making you feel full longer and less hungry throughout the day. Common brand names of semaglutide include Wegovy and Ozempic:
- Wegovy and Ozempic are once-weekly subcutaneous injections, typically starting at a low dose and gradually increasing to minimize side effects.
- Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and related conditions.
- Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, but it is commonly used off-label for weight loss.
Common side effects of using semaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain. However, these side effects improve over time as the body adjusts to the medications.
Pros:
- This medication helps people lose significant weight, typically 15-20% of their body weight, over about a year
- Once-weekly administration, which is convenient (except for Rybelsus)
- Improves heart health and blood sugar levels
Cons:
- Weekly injections might be inconvenient for those uncomfortable with needles
- High costs for those without insurance
- Common gastrointestinal side effects in the early treatment
- Animal studies show a small risk of thyroid tumors
Cost: Through BuyCanadianInsulin.com, the price starts at $429 per pen.
Read More: Rybelsus, another form of semaglutide, is not officially approved for weight loss, but many patients do report weight loss as a side effect. Find out the best tips for taking Rybelsus daily here!
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Liraglutide functions similarly to semaglutide by creating feelings of fullness and reducing hunger. It is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Known brands include Saxenda for weight loss and Victoza for the treatment of diabetes.
According to a double-blind study, a total of 63.2% of patients out of 2487 patients lost at least 5% of their body weight, while 33.1% lost more than 10% of their body weight, compared to the placebo group, where only 10.6% of people lost the same weight. The average BMI of these patients was 38.3, which is a huge success because these people were classified as obese.
This medication requires daily self-administered injections, starting with a small dose and gradually increasing over time. It is approved for long-term use to maintain weight loss results. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and fatigue.
Read More: Find out what the difference between Wegovy and Saxenda is here! These are both effective weight loss medications; however, the choice should be based on the benefits each drug provides.
Pros:
- Patients typically lose about 5-10% of their body weight with this medication.
- Reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially in people with prediabetes
- Improves overall metabolic health
- Suitable for patients over the age of 12, but only under medical supervision
Cons:
- Treatment requires daily injections
- High costs without medical insurance
- Risk of gastrointestinal side effects
Cost: Through BuyCanadianInsulin.com, the price for Saxenda starts at about $515 per injectable pen. Victoza costs $255 per 2 injectable pens or $732 per 6 injectable pens.
Orlistat (Xenical and Alli)
Unlike medications that affect appetite, Orlistat blocks approximately 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed in the intestines. It is available in two formulations:
The drug works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down fats during the digestive process. When these enzymes are blocked, about 30% of the fat you consume passes through your body undigested and is eliminated in bowel movements.
For optimal results, it should be taken alongside a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise. It positively affects the following:
- Body weight
- Total cholesterol
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
- Triglycerides
Common side effects include oily spotting in underwear, gas with discharge, urgent bowel movements, oily or fatty stools, increased frequency of bowel movements, and sometimes fecal incontinence. These effects typically worsen with high-fat meals.
Pros:
- Orlistat is available over the counter at lower doses (as Alli)
- It has a well-established safety record
- It produces modest weight loss of 5-10% of body weight
Cons:
- The medication must be taken three times daily
- Many patients find the digestive side effects embarrassing or uncomfortable (oily spotting in underwear, gas with discharge, urgent bowel movements, oily stools or fatty stools, and fecal incontinence)
- It requires adherence to a low-fat diet and produces less weight loss compared to newer medications
Cost: Through BuyCanadianInsulin.com, the cost starts at $77 per 84 tablets for Alli to $199 per 84 capsules for Xenical (Orlistat).
Phentermine (Adipex and Suprenza)
Phentermine reduces appetite, helping patients feel less hungry throughout the day. Popular brands include Adipex-P and Lomaira. This medication is taken as a once-daily pill, typically in the morning.
It is only approved for short-term use of up to 12 weeks; however, recent studies suggest that it may be safe for use beyond 3 months, even up to 24 months.
According to studies, over 80% of patients lost 5% or more of their initial weight, while more than half lost over 10%. The same patients also reduced their waist circumference and lowered their total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol levels.
Common side effects include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, and feelings of nervousness or jitteriness.
Pros:
- It is relatively inexpensive
- According to the Gachon University Gil Medical Center, it can help patients lose an average of 7.2 kg in 14 weeks
- Can be taken orally rather than by injection
Cons:
- This medication is mostly used for a short-term period
- It may cause nervousness and an increased heart rate
- It is not suitable for individuals with heart problems or anxiety disorders
Cost: Generic versions cost about $10-$40 per 30 tablets.
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
Qsymia combines phentermine with topiramate to further reduce appetite. This medication is taken as a daily pill in the morning and is approved for long-term use to maintain weight loss.
Clinical studies have shown that phentermine/topiramate, combined with caloric restriction, leads to greater weight loss than diet and exercise alone.
Patients receiving the higher dose formulation (15/92 mg) achieved an average weight reduction of 11% over one year, while those on the lower dose (7.5/46 mg) experienced 7 to 8% weight loss during the same period.
Common side effects include tingling in the extremities, dizziness, altered taste perception, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth. More serious concerns include memory issues and increased heart rate.
Pros:
- Qsymia is more effective than phentermine alone, helping patients lose more weight
- It is administered as a pill rather than an injection
- It is particularly effective for individuals with binge eating tendencies
Cons:
- This medication can cause birth defects, making it contraindicated for pregnant women or those planning pregnancy
- Some patients experience cognitive issues while taking it
- Weight regain is common after discontinuing the medication
Cost: The cost for Qsymia starts at $200 per 30 capsules.
Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
Contrave combines two medications, naltrexone and bupropion, to reduce food cravings and appetite by affecting how the brain processes food rewards. This medication is taken as a pill once daily, with the dosage gradually increasing to two pills twice a day. It is also approved for long-term use.
Common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, and dry mouth.
Pros:
- Contrave is administered as a pill
- Particularly effective for emotional eaters
- Contains an antidepressant component that might benefit patients with depression
Read More: Learn more about the additional benefits of Contrave here!
Cons:
- The medication carries a warning about possible suicidal thoughts
- Treatment requires multiple pills each day
- Patients typically lose less weight (5-8%) compared to newer medications
- Cannot be taken concurrently with pain medications containing opioids
Cost: Through BuyCanadianInsulin.com, the cost starts at $329 per 120 tablets or $969 per 360 tablets.
Where To Get Prescription Weight Loss Medication?
To find the best prescription weight loss medication, consult with a healthcare provider. Here’s where you can start:
- General practitioner
- Nutritionists
- Endocrinologist
- Weight management clinics
If your doctor prescribed weight loss medication for you, you can then contact your insurance company and see if you are eligible for coverage. Your doctor can help you choose the best option from the list of prescription weight loss drugs based on your individual needs and current health status.
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Insurance Coverage
If you’re wondering if your insurance covers weight loss medications, call your provider and ask:
- Which prescription weight loss medications are covered under my plan?
- What requirements must I meet to be eligible for coverage?
- Is prior authorization needed?
- What will my out-of-pocket cost be?
If your insurance denies coverage, ask about:
- How to appeal the decision
- Whether you need to try less expensive medications first
- Forms your doctor can complete to help with approval
If you have a serious medical condition that affects your health, you may be a good candidate for weight loss medications. For example, some doctors may consider prescription weight loss drugs for hypothyroidism if weight gain is largely affecting the overall health of the patient.
Buying Prescription Weight Loss Medication from Canada
It might seem complicated, but the process is quite straightforward. Many Americans struggle with the high costs of weight loss medications. The good news is that prescription referral services, such as BuyCanadianInsulin.com, can offer the same medications at significantly lower prices.
For example, Ozempic costs around $1200 per pen in the U.S., but it may be available for as little as $329.95 per pen through BuyCanadianInsulin.com.
How Does It Work?
The process for obtaining weight loss medications from Canada is very simple:
- Get a prescription from your doctor
- Visit our website, BuyCanadianInsulin.com
- Upload your prescription
- Place your order and have it shipped to your address
It is important to keep your doctor informed of all medications you’re taking, regardless of where you obtain them.
Benefits of Ordering From Buy Canadian Insulin
Here are some of the most common benefits that you’ll get by ordering from Buy Canadian Insulin:
- 100% secure transactions
- Delivers across the United States
- Thousands of satisfied customers buy from this platform
- Express shipping from Canada to your door
- Up to 90% cost savings on top brands
- Protected packages with medical-grade ice packs
- Customer care is available 24/7
- Trusted brands with affordable prices
- Run by a network of pharmacists
To Sum Up: What Is the Best Prescription Weight Loss Medication?
There is no definite answer on what the best prescription weight loss medications are; however, there are plenty of choices. Today’s prescription weight loss medications offer hope for those who have struggled for years with traditional approaches.
These medications, especially newer options, have helped many individuals achieve weight loss that wasn’t possible with diet and exercise alone. If you’re considering medication for weight management, start by talking with your doctor about whether these options might suit you.
Many find that these medications work best as part of a complete approach that includes healthier eating and regular physical activity. These medications are not magic pills; you still need to make lasting lifestyle changes.
While cost can be a concern, there are ways to make these medications more affordable. Check with your insurance provider about coverage or explore alternative options, such as purchasing through Canadian pharmacies like BuyCanadianInsulin.com, which often offers the same medications at lower prices.
The journey to weight management is deeply personal, but with effective medical options now available, patients have more tools than ever to support their health goals!
